The Stars Beyond
A free-to-play browser based persistant sandbox space MMORPG where players can create characters from 12 possible careers.
The Sol star system is the center of the playing area which spans a radius of 150 light years. Each player can have up to six characters in their account at a time, and a retired one can be brought back later. All characters start with a small starship suited to their career.
NAMESKILLSCASHSPECIAL
NavyGunnery*, Boarding Combat, Bureaucracy10000Free fuel and ammunition, and cheaper repairs, for military ships at the Naval Base (reputation 1 or more with the planet's race). A bounty for every pirate ship destroyed. A better chance of mission offers at the Naval Base, and Federal Warrants offered there.
ScoutPiloting*, Bureaucracy, Engineering10000Free fuel and ammunition, and cheaper repairs, for military ships at the Naval Base (reputation 1 or more with the planet's race).
CourierBureaucracy*, Piloting, Conversation10000NULL
StewardSteward*, Conversation, Piloting10000A better chance of mission offers at the Terminal.
PirateGunnery*, Boarding Combat, Engineering10000May attempt to capture disabled ships in combat with [Boarding Combat]. [Engineering] counts as at least 30 in combat, repairing stun damage on your ships and on ships you capture or salvage. Cheaper repairs, with fuel and ammunition at half price, at the Pirate Haven. Letters of Marque offered at the Bar.
Asteroid MinerEngineering*, Piloting, Carousing1000050% bonus to [Trading] skill when selling Minerals, and to the production of Mines you own. Ship repairs get +25 [Engineering]. A better chance of mission offers at the Bar or Pirate Haven.
SmugglerSmuggling*, Bribery, Carousing10000Cheaper repairs, with fuel and ammunition at half price, at the Pirate Haven. A better chance of mission offers at the Bar or Pirate Haven.
MarineBoarding Combat*, Body Development, Bureaucracy10000Free fuel and ammunition, and cheaper repairs, for military ships at the Naval Base (reputation 1 or more with the planet's race). May attempt to capture disabled ships in combat with [Boarding Combat]. A better chance of mission offers at the Naval Base, and Federal Warrants offered there.
MercenaryBoarding Combat*, Body Development, Carousing10000Increases Strike Team Strength by [Boarding Combat] skill and Items as a percent bonus. A better chance of mission offers at the Bar or Pirate Haven.
TraderTrading*, Conversation, Bureaucracy10000A better chance of mission offers at the Marketplace.
ExplorerPiloting*, Bureaucracy, Engineering1000050% bonus to Federal Survey rewards. A better chance of mission offers at the Naval Base.
HijackerBreak and Enter*, Bribery, Boarding Combat10000Cheaper repairs, with fuel and ammunition at half price, at the Pirate Haven. A better chance of mission offers at the Bar or Pirate Haven.
• Skills with * gain experience the fastest for the career. Skills not listed for a career gain experience slowly.
Characters have skills that are improved as they are used during gameplay and each career specializes in a small set of skills. These special skills improve at accelerated rates.
NAMESTATBASEDESCRIPTION
Boarding CombathealthThis skill reflects your ground combat skills: boarding disabled ships to capture them, shoot-outs with the police, the dangers of the Forerunner ruins, and leading strike teams as a Mercenary.
Body DevelopmenthealthThis skill improves your chance of surviving the destruction of your Flagship in combat when it carries an escape pod, and helps in shoot-outs with the police and in the Forerunner ruins.
Break And EntercoordinationThis skill covers the ability to illegally enter shops and steal cash or goods from them.
BriberycharismaThis skill is used to bribe the police when they catch you. The higher it is, the likelier your bribe is taken and the less it costs.
BureaucracycharismaThis skill is used when making contacts with Supply Clerks at the Naval Base, for freight prices at the Courier Hub, how large your shops can be, Interstellar Internet Office licences, forging manifests and Federal Survey rewards.
CarousingcharismaThis skill is used when making contacts with Dealers at the Bar or Pirate Haven.
ConversationcharismaThis skill is used when making contacts with Merchants at the Marketplace.
EngineeringintelligenceThis skill reduces the cost of repairs on starships, and increases the resale value of older ships.
GunnerycoordinationThis skill increases the chance of hitting with the weapons of every ship in your battle line.
PilotingcoordinationThis skill makes every ship in your battle line harder to hit, improves your chance of escaping a fight, and raises the number of ships you may control in your fleet.
SmugglingintelligenceThis skill covers the ability to hide goods on board a ship in order to avoid paying duties, and to slip past the police when trading illegal goods or carrying contraband passengers.
StewardcharismaThis skill increases the Ticket price for all passenger types carried on all your ships, and, with enough reputation, opens the coach and luxury berths.
TradingintelligenceThis skill reduces the cost to BUY commodities and increases the SELL price of commodities at the Bar, Marketplace, or Naval Base.
• Skills with * gain experience the fastest for the career. Skills not listed for a career gain experience slowly.
Trading in a commodity starts with winning over a contact who deals in it: Dealers at the Bar or Pirate Haven for illegal goods, reached with Carousing; Merchants at the Marketplace for legal goods, with Conversation; and Supply Clerks at the Naval Base for military goods, with Bureaucracy. The higher the skill, the more contacts you can reach, and trading with a contact makes your loading faster.
Each character starts with a small starship.
GFXNAMECAREERSDESCRIPTION
SloopAsteroid Miner, Courier, Hijacker, Mercenary, TraderA very small vessel designed as a multi-purpose transport.
Path FinderExplorer, ScoutA small exploration vessel.
HunterMarine, NavyA small pirate hunting vessel.
LurkerPirateA small pirate vessel.
SmugglerSmugglerA small vessel equipped for smuggling.
CarnivalStewardA small passenger vessel.
Here is a list of all the other starships found in the game.
GFXNAMECOSTDESCRIPTION
Skiff10,250A tiny fast ship.
Fighter469,250A very small fast ship armed with missiles and light weapons. Used mainly by bases and carriers. They have no warp drive systems.
Scout64,250A small military communications and exploration ship.
Avenger130,250A small military anti piracy ship.
Pinnace313,600A small vessel designed for deep space exploration.
Pioneer129,320A small vessel designed for asteroid mining.
Courier Launch307,500A small, nimble vessel used by priority courier services for important cargoes.
Shuttle314,250A small vessel with slow performance used as a short haul passenger and cargo ferry.
Small Yacht506,000A small slow ship with coach and cold berths for passengers. A pleasing ship to look at and often owned by the financial elite.
Stock Light Freighter440,750A general purpose short range cargo hauler with no passenger berths.
Star Trader517,300A small, slow transport with ample cargo and passenger space for its size. Often owned by prosperous Traders.
Merchant Auxiliary862,250Throughout the early years of galactic colonization, the navy took care of its own logistics. Once the cartels had established their transportation networks, the navy contracted their logistics to the private sector and sold its fleet of freighters to the cartels. This particular ship was based on the system defence boat design, with most of the weapons capability removed and replaced by cargo pods. It also had a warp engine added as the freighters needed to jump from system to system. Although the cartels (as part of the purchase agreement) have repainted these vessels in their own colours, they are still obviously of military origin, proudly displaying the navy's philosophy of function over design.
System Defence Boat2,389,500A small heavily armed and armoured military craft with no warp drive. Used mainly for base and system defence by the government or licensed cartels.
Blockade Runner2,347,000A small fast ship with good armour and shields for its size. Commonly used as fast couriers in peacetime.
Patrol Cutter3,081,100A small military vessel equipped with beam weapons and armour to enforce the law inside a solar system.
Cruise Ship2,512,250A medium sized vessel used by small passenger liner companies.
Bulk Hauler4,573,000A medium sized cargo vessel used by small Trading cartels. Not a pretty ship at all.
Freebooter5,830,300A medium sized fast ship with light armour and shields. Commonly used by fast courier merchants that haul larger important and time critical cargoes.
Corvette18,468,750A fast medium sized military vessel equipped with beam weapons, missiles and armour to enforce the law inside a solar system, and for search and rescue operations.
Tramp Freighter11,897,500A medium sized long range freighter commonly used by merchant speculators servicing the frontier worlds.
Luxury Yacht19,397,500A medium sized slow ship with ample space allocated to passenger comfort. A beautiful ship to look at and often owned by Cartel CEOs. These vessels are equipped with light weapons and shielding for self defence.
Liner77,220,000A large passenger liner with the majority of its hull space allocated to passenger comforts. Though equipped with adequate cargo space the marvelous lines of the hull define the main role of this ship as a passenger liner.
Destroyer211,920,000A large military vessel equipped with the best offensive and defensive systems that can be carried in her hull. This ship is used for system defence and pirate hunting.
Bulk Carrier90,300,000A large vessel built to haul vast amounts of cargo to any port, and quick for its size. It is heavily armed for self defence.
Cruiser583,750,000A huge military vessel equipped with massive fire power and defensive systems. It has the final say in any conflict.
While each character created is human there are other races in the game.
GFXNAMEDESCRIPTION
DS_Human_W_324.jpgHumanHumans are a spacefaring civilization united under a shared vision of exploration, knowledge, and interstellar prosperity. Physically diverse, they retain the broad spectrum of skin tones, hair colors, and facial features shaped by millennia of evolution on Earth and centuries of adaptation to alien worlds and orbital habitats. Advances in bioengineering have subtly extended lifespans and improved physical resilience, but their fundamental form remains recognizably human — upright, bipedal, with two arms and expressive faces that convey a vast range of emotion.

Their culture is a tapestry woven from countless planetary colonies, each blending traditions from Old Earth with the innovations and aesthetics of their adopted worlds. Humanity’s attire varies from utilitarian exploration suits and armored exoskeletons to ceremonial robes adorned with insignias of planetary alliances and trade guilds. Starships of the Human fleets range from nimble courier craft to colossal trade convoys and scientific ark vessels, all designed with clean, functional lines and modular adaptability. Their cities — whether spread across verdant alien plains, suspended in the skies of gas giants, or nestled in the carved interiors of asteroids — are vibrant hubs of commerce, research, and diplomacy.

In demeanor, Humans are adaptive and ambitious, willing to bridge cultural divides for mutual gain yet fiercely protective of their autonomy. United by the pursuit of knowledge, the expansion of trade networks, and the drive to explore the farthest reaches of known space, they see themselves as both explorers and architects of a shared galactic future. To alien eyes, the Humans are resourceful, unpredictable, and unrelentingly curious — a species that has not only survived but thrived among the stars.
DS_Psiaq_W_324.jpgPsiaqThe Psiaq are a nimble, bipedal alien species distinguished by their unique triple-armed anatomy — two primary arms extending from the shoulders and a third, equally dexterous limb emerging from the center of the chest. Their sleek, hairless skin is a muted grey, smooth and almost metallic in sheen, reflecting ambient light in subtle gradients.

Standing at an average height of 1.25 meters, they possess large, elongated craniums housing advanced neural structures, giving them exceptional problem-solving abilities and an unblinking, analytical gaze. Each Psiaq face is dominated by three oversized, deep-black eyes arranged in a triangular pattern, capable of independent focus or unified tracking, granting them an extraordinary field of vision.

Their lean frames move with deliberate precision, and their triple-armed coordination allows for remarkable feats of engineering, art, and combat. Psiaq culture is centered on logic, innovation, and exploration, with intricate geometric motifs woven into their clothing, architecture, and starship design.

Their spacecraft are sleek and angular, often featuring tri-symmetrical layouts that mirror their own physiology. Within their cities, towering spires and crystalline structures glisten under the pale light of the three suns of their home system, while glowing holographic interfaces hover in the air around them.

Whether encountered in the gleaming corridors of their vessels or in the shadow of their alien metropolises, the Psiaq radiate an air of calculated intelligence and quiet, watchful purpose — a people who have mastered the stars through both intellect and elegant design.
DS_Bovyin_W_324.jpgBovyinThe Bovyin are a proud, quadrupedal species whose muscular frames stand between 1.5 and 2 meters tall, weighing up to 300 kilograms. Their bodies are covered in a fine layer of short, pale hair that glistens faintly under light, protecting their thick, pale-toned skin. Two prominent, gently curving horns rise from their broad, angular skulls, often decorated with carved symbols or metallic adornments signifying clan heritage.

Their forelimbs end in strong, dexterous hooves capable of gripping and manipulating tools with surprising precision, a trait that allowed them to develop advanced technology despite their quadrupedal stance. Their large, dark eyes exude a calm intensity, framed by subtle facial ridges that convey expressions in a manner both alien and dignified.

Bovyin culture is steeped in tradition and ceremony, with ornate armor, engraved tools, and banners woven from shimmering fibers. They have mastered spacefaring technology, traveling in massive, horn-shaped starships adorned with clan insignias, blending functional engineering with an almost ceremonial elegance.

In their art and architecture, sweeping curves and sturdy, grounded structures dominate, reflecting their physical form and cultural resilience. Whether seen on the deck of a warship, in the bustling halls of a space station, or standing proudly on their grassy homeworld beneath a white sun, the Bovyin radiate an aura of strength, honor, and endurance.
DS_Thryfid_W_324.jpgThryfidThe Thryfid are towering, multi-pedal beings whose forms evoke the presence of ancient, living trees. Standing between 2.5 and 3 meters tall, their bodies are columnar and segmented, covered in fibrous, bark-like skin that blends hues of earthy brown and deep green. Numerous elongated arms sprout from their upper trunks in layered whorls, each tipped with branching, root-like digits capable of delicate manipulation or crushing strength. Lacking any visible eyes or facial features, the Thryfid perceive their surroundings through a combination of subtle vibrations, chemical signals, and an almost extrasensory awareness — an alien form of perception that makes their gaze, though unseen, feel deeply penetrating. Their movement is deliberate yet graceful, their many legs shifting with the creak and sway of a forest in motion.

Culturally, the Thryfid are ancient and deliberate thinkers, measuring time not in years but in growth cycles and stellar alignments. Their architecture rises like vast groves of metallic and organic towers, seamlessly merging living wood with advanced alloys. Starships of the Thryfid are immense, root-shaped vessels that unfold like blossoms in space, their hulls textured with organic ridges and bioluminescent nodes. Inside, the air is warm and humid, filled with the faint scent of sap and ozone. Thryfid attire is minimal, often composed of living plant matter that grows and adapts with the wearer, serving as both ornamentation and environmental regulator.

Whether encountered in the shadow of their colossal arboreal cities or emerging from the glowing heart of a spacefaring root-ship, the Thryfid command an aura of ageless wisdom and quiet, immovable power.
DS_Degaran_W_324.jpgDegaranThe Degaran are small, agile bipedal reptilians standing between 0.5 and 1.2 meters tall, with lean, muscular bodies built for speed and precision. Their skin is covered in fine, interlocking scales that range in color from weathered grey to muted brown, giving them a natural camouflage in rocky or arid environments. Narrow, amber-to-brown eyes sit beneath prominent bony ridges, their pupils contracting to thin slits under bright light. Their elongated snouts taper to fine points, with small rows of sharp, efficient teeth suited for both survival in the wild and the careful crafting of intricate tools. Two well-muscled arms extend from their shoulders, ending in three-clawed hands capable of delicate manipulation or sudden bursts of force.

Culturally, the Degaran are pragmatic and resourceful, known for their adaptability and cautious diplomacy. Their clothing favors tight-fitting, utilitarian designs made from durable fabrics, often reinforced with lightweight plating that accommodates both planetary exploration and zero-gravity maneuvering. Their spacecraft are compact and efficient, with streamlined hulls and modular designs, often featuring retractable landing gear suited for uneven terrain. On their homeworld, arid plateaus are dotted with cliffside settlements, blending seamlessly into the natural rock formations. Degaran cities in space are carved into asteroid surfaces or constructed as tight, interconnected modules that waste no space. Despite their modest size, the Degaran are fierce in defense of their kin and territory, relying on agility, precision strikes, and well-coordinated technology to outmaneuver much larger foes. Whether spotted darting through the corridors of their ships or emerging from the shadows of a canyon, the Degaran embody the efficiency and tenacity of a species that has thrived through skill and cunning rather than brute strength.
DS_Hrostrum_W_324.jpgHrostrumThe Hrostrum are a strikingly alien species, lacking both limbs and any recognizable facial features. Ranging from 0.5 to 2 meters in height, their bodies appear as irregular piles of animate stones — a shifting, interlocking mass of mineral-like segments that grind and slide against each other with a deep, resonant hum. Their surfaces vary from smooth, weather-worn plates to jagged crystalline protrusions, colored in muted greys, browns, and flecks of metallic hues. They have no discernible eyes, mouths, or sensory organs, yet they navigate their environments with uncanny precision, sensing vibrations, gravitational fluctuations, and subtle changes in electromagnetic fields. Movement is achieved through a rolling, shifting gait, as if their entire body rearranges itself with each step.

Culturally, the Hrostrum are slow to speak but impossibly deliberate in action, often taking centuries to complete large-scale projects. Their starships resemble colossal drifting asteroids, armored in layers of dense stone and laced with glowing fissures that pulse like veins of molten ore. Within, their interiors are cavernous, echoing halls of fused rock, with surfaces that shift subtly as if the ship itself is alive. Hrostrum architecture blends natural formation and deliberate shaping across the moons and asteroids that circle their gas-giant home — towering stone spires, arching crystalline bridges, and vast hollowed chambers that resonate with low harmonic tones.

Their technology integrates mineral composites and crystal arrays, using them both for construction and as advanced energy conduits. When encountered, a Hrostrum might be mistaken for an inanimate boulder until it slowly unfolds, revealing the purposeful movements of a living geological intelligence. They carry with them the weight of ages, moving and thinking with the patience of the mountains themselves, yet wielding the ability to traverse the stars with unshakable resolve.